apologize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'apologize' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express regret for having done something wrong. Example sentence: I apologize for being so insensitive to your needs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So we should call out good behaviour when we can, and Joe Barton, to his credit, ate some crow yesterday (albeit after bungling his initial apology):I apologize for using the term "shakedown" with regard to yesterday's actions at the White House in my opening statement this morning, and I retract my apology to BP.

The Economist

Again I apologize.

The Guardian

"We apologize to fans, but your safety is our main concern," they tweeted.

The Guardian - Music

A further statement, in English, says: "It was never our intention to offend, and we apologize.

The Guardian

Lou Shapiro, an attorney for Watts and her boyfriend, said the actress would apologize for her comments to police.

The Guardian

Rush Limbaugh's attack on Sandra Fluke – in which he called her a "slut" and demanded that she post videos of her sex life on the i nternet – sparked a national rebuke, leading Rush to do what he rarely ever does: apologize.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: 'This is not the justice we seek': sorrow in Baltimore as grief turns into riots Occasionally interrupting himself to apologize to the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, who stood stoically beside him throughout the lecture, Obama said the question of Baltimore went beyond one of who was culpable for the death of Gray, or for the street violence that followed.

The Guardian

Both have since apologised, with Pascal saying: "Although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended".

The Guardian - Film

I apologize for that.

The New York Times - Sports

For instance, Mitt Romney's most celebrated phrase ("President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet … My promise is to help you and your family"), won him two times as many mentions as "In America we celebrate success we don't apologize for it".The information can also be visualised by overall mentions and very positive ones.

The Economist

A year ago he was forced by his rivals publicly to apologize for mismanaging the economy, but he is now filling his cabinet with loyal and highly competent allies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "apologize", be sincere and specific about what you're apologizing for. A genuine apology demonstrates accountability and helps rebuild trust.

Common error

Don't use phrases like "I'm sorry if anyone was offended", because they shift the blame onto the offended party. A real apology takes ownership of your actions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "apologize" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of expressing regret or remorse. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, showing its use in various contexts where someone acknowledges a fault or offense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "apologize" is a versatile verb used to express regret or remorse for a fault or offense. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports and encyclopedic entries to scientific papers. The analysis reveals that while "apologize" is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, it maintains a neutral to professional tone, emphasizing accountability and relationship repair. Related phrases include "express regret" and "say you're sorry", offering alternative ways to convey remorse with varying degrees of formality. When using "apologize", sincerity and specificity are key to rebuilding trust, while insincere phrases should be avoided. The frequency of "apologize" is high, underlining its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret rather than the act of conveying it.

say you're sorry

A more informal and direct way of apologizing.

offer an apology

Formal way of presenting an apology.

make amends

Goes beyond a simple apology by suggesting actions to repair the damage caused.

beg forgiveness

Implies a deeper sense of remorse and a plea for acceptance.

take responsibility

Focuses on accepting the blame for an action.

acknowledge fault

Formally recognizing a mistake or error.

own up to

Informal way of admitting responsibility.

ask pardon

Seeks forgiveness, typically in a formal setting.

express remorse

Highlights the feeling of deep regret and sorrow.

FAQs

How to use "apologize" in a sentence?

You can use "apologize" to express regret for something you've done wrong. For example, "I apologize for the mistake I made".

What can I say instead of "apologize"?

You can use alternatives like "express regret", "say you're sorry", or "offer an apology" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "apologize for" or "apologize about"?

It is correct to say "apologize for". The preposition "for" is typically used to indicate what you are apologizing for. Saying "apologize about" is less common and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "apologize" and "excuse"?

"Apologize" means to express regret for a fault or offense, while "excuse" is to try to lessen the blame or justify an action. You "apologize" for something wrong, and you offer an excuse to explain it.